“Best Breakfast on the AICW” – Input and Comments From the Cruising Community

We hoped our story about the wonderful breakfasts available at Blackstone’s Cafe in Beaufort, SC (See http://cruisersnet.net/?p=92926) would lead to a wealth of input and a lively discussion from our fellow cruisers. As usual, the cruising community has NOT disappointed. Check out all the many articles below.
And, WE WOULD STILL LIKE TO HAVE MORE INPUT. Please send your dockside convenient breakfast spot recommendations directly to me at Contact@CruisersNet.net.
Bon Appeit!

I second the Stuffed Pig in Marathon for breakfast…..seafood or crab omelettes, just great
Twins

Bakers Kitchen in downtown New Bern….off the ICW but worth the side trip for the best french toast on the East Coast!
Steve on CrossRoads

If breakfast is as important a meal to you as it is to me, and if you are in Beaufort, (S.C.), then you really ought to visit with David and Roseanne Steele at their place, called Shoofly Kitchen. (http://www.shooflykitchen.com) It is on Boundary Street, close to everything, and they serve the best eggs and grits I have ever had, including even those made by either my mother or my wife. And of course the “crabby benedict” and the “Combahee Crab Omelet” are just too good to describe. My wife’s favorite is the “Three cheese and fresh herb omelet”. Shoofly Kitchen is a small, quiet, homey, friendly, and relaxing place, located at 1209 Boundary Street in downtown Beaufort.
David and Roseanne also serve a tasty and varied lunch menu, so, if the weather is not so good, or you have a good book, you could do a late breakfast AND an early lunch before retiring for a nap. I recommend the “Ham & Brie Cheese on Wheat” or the “Cranberry & Pecan Chicken Salad on wheat”, but everything is fresh and tasty and its just impossible to go wrong at Shoofly.
If you go, please let them know that the folks at Port Royal Landing Marina referred you. Or better yet, stop by the marina and get a coupon for free desert! Thanks, and bon appetite!
Tom Wilson, CMM
President, Port Royal Landing Marina, Inc

I rarely eat breakfast out, but when in Ft Pierce, Mangrove Mattie’s is a must do on Sunday for a champagne brunch. You won’t find a better spread anywhere. The bottomless champagne flute or mimosa glass is icing on the cake.
Peter Kafer

By the way, I noticed today that Georgia B’s (252-622-4579 – 506 Arendell St) has finally opened in MHC [Morehead City, NC] in the old Piccata’s location. They are advertising breakfast on the reader board so we will have to check it out and report. That would be the closest breakfast spot to the Yacht Basin, which is where we live on our old Hatteras 75% of the time.
[Georgia B’s] is [found] is on the north side of Arendell between 5th and 6th before you get to the wonderful City News stand and the ACE Marine Hardware from the Yacht Basin. Piccatas moved further west on Arendell on the south side, still pretty good for lunch, for dinner we tend to go to Beaufort Grocery Too (where the old Shepherd’s Point was, and who in turn serves an excellent Sunday
brunch)
By the way, does Ocracoke count? Flying Melon there certainly has to rate high up on our “favorite breakfast” spots! We are thinking about braving the coming weeks weather forecast and cruising there again this week.
George and Ann

Claiborne,
I would have to vote for Yana’s restaurant in Swansboro. They are at 117 Front St and open at 6am. Everything is cooked to order and the place is full of 50ies memorabilia.
Glenn Terrill
member of Fairfield Harbour YC

Sorry. I live in Beaufort and you’re crazy if you think Blackstones outdoes brunch at the Beaufort Inn or British Open Pub on Cat Island.
Beaufortonian

Claiborne replies: I’ve never had lunch or brunch at Blackstones (but I would LOVE to try it soon). So, my review was strictly limited to their breakfast offerings!

I’ve got to agree with Blackstone’s , but I’ve eaten at most of your selections. Another I’ve found that’s very good is “On A Roll” in Morehead City, about 2 blocks from the downtown city marina at Jaycee Park. One of the perks of cruising.
Phil Mullins

Yes Blackstones is very good but clearly not the best. What really bugs me about them, they don’t give you a spoon for your coffee. Why?
One of the best is in Jacksonville Florida, called Grumpy’s. It is on Kingsley Ave. Try it. Also the Double T Dinner in Annapolis, the one on Hiway2 and West St. Great
Ed Hart

Your choice of Blackstone’s was right on. Can’t say it’s absolutely the “best”, but certainly one of the very best choices. Another super breakfast spot is the Causeway Cafe in Wrightsville Beach, NC.
Capt Norman Quinn

Blackstone’s is #1, without question. A VERY CLOSE #2 is The Stuffed Pig in Marathon, Fl. I know it is south and west of Miami, but it is worth the trip. Don’t miss the pig races in March. The loser is bacon!http://www.thestuffedpig.com/
Jeff Graham

So many restraunts, so little time! Blackstones is at the top of my list. I love their spicy Cajun Shrimp & Grits.
My second favorite is not on the ICW but on the lower Chesapeake Bay at Cape Charles, VA. The Cape Charles Coffee House serves French Toast that melts in your mouth and is served in a mouth watering presentation–it’s almost too pretty to eat.
As an alternative to the Thomas Cafe in Charleston, SC, an honorable mention goes to Aunnie’s who serves up southern soul food like Grandma’s kitchen.
Susan Parker

Claiborne, if you are using Cox’s as a reference point it puts your judgement in question, though the others you mention and Blackstones are indeed good. For one thing, it is not convenient to the water. For another, it is cheap, but not very good. On A Roll Gourmet Deli in Morehead City is walking distance from the Yacht Basin, MH City Docks and Portside and the corn beef hash on the weekend is divine, but it is good every day.
In Beaufort NC, the Boardwalk Cafe at the Beaufort City Docks is probably the best all around of the lot with nice outside water view seating as a bonus.
George

Claiborne replies: George is right that Cox’s is NOT convenient to dockside dining. A car or taxi ride is necessary to reach it from any of the area dockage facilities. HOWEVER, I might have to disagree with Captain George about the quality of the food, hence I broke my own rule and included it on my initial list!

We have been up and down the waterway and Blackstone’s is THE BEST. In fact we are ‘summering’ in Beaufort this year and enjoy Blackstone’s twice a week. The hash browns are just tasty wonderful.
Don’t miss it!
Jeff Graham
s/v Far Niente

I have never had pancakes or french toast the equal or better of Daijio in Ocracoke. I have eaten at most of the places on your list and they don’t hold a candle to this duo of entries.
Mike Glover,
Manteo, NC
MV Simpleman

We can tell that you have not visited Seven Seas Marina in Port Orange, just south of Daytona. We, long ago, ruled that their breakfast was never to be passed up. Visit there, and buy breakfast, even at lunch time! You won’t be sorry.
Judy and Dick

Breakfast at T-Ray’s is the highlight of stopping at Fernandina’s Marina as soon as we get to Florida. You can work up an appetite walking from the Marina to T’Ray’s, but you’ll appreciate the walk on the way back to your boat.
David Burnham

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